Conventional Explosives Flashcards
What characteristic of a mechanical explosion does not apply to chemical explosions?
A chemical explosion does not require a CONTAINER
What are the primary effects caused by the detonation of a chemical explosion (3) ?
Fragmentation, Thermal, Blast Pressure
Describe the blast pressure effect associated with the detonation of an explosive?
There is an initial positive pressure wave, followed by a negative pressure wave
Describe the positive pressure phase of the blast pressure wave
Stronger, Shorter in duration, faster, moves outward from explosion
Describe the negative pressure phase of the blast pressure wave
Weaker, longer in duration, slower, moves TOWARD explosion/fills void
What are the two minimum components required in a chemical explosive
A fuel and an oxidizer
What is the difference between an explosive mixture and an explosive compound?
Mixture is mechanically blended, compound is molecularly bonded
Why are additives put into explosives?
For special effects
Low explosives are said to deflagrate or ______ rather than detonate…
Burn
What is the arbitrary rate of speed used to distinguish between low and high explosives?
3300 fps
What is the difference between high and low explosives?
high explosives detonate, low explosives deflagrate (burn) (3300 fps is threshold)
Define energy as it relates to characteristics of chemical explosion
Energy is the potential to do work
Define strength/power as it relates to the characteristics of a chemical explosive
Power is the ability to do useful work
The ________ effect gives an explosion the ability to push, shove, or heave a solid
The cratering effect
Define hygroscopicity
The ability to absorb moisture
